Rachael’s role as Senior Vice President of Rural Health Services for Avera Health brings a vital perspective to the Dakota Resources board, as healthcare is a critical economic partner of any rural community. She is an engaged Dakota Resources board member, providing experience with community facilitation, grant writing, management and the ability to quantify and document outcome data. Rachael still lives in the same small town where she was born, choosing to commute from her rural community to Sioux Falls each day because of her deep love of the rural lifestyle. She finds it a privilege to serve on a board dedicated to helping rural communities succeed and is proud of the positive influences Dakota Resources has on South Dakota.

In addition to living in rural places her entire life, Linda spent 30 years as the Economic Development Manager for East River Electric Power Cooperative, where she managed a diverse portfolio of community and business development loans andworked with communities in a 60,000 square mile region of South Dakota and Minnesota. In addition to Dakota Resources, Linda serves on the boards of Interlakes Community Action Partnership, Girls Scouts Dakota Horizons, and Estelline Area Economic Development. She lives on a farm between Estelline and Lake Poinsett and is a diehard Jackrabbit.

Rural South Dakota is in Connie’s DNA. Her dad was on the economic development board for many years in her hometown of Lemmon, and Connie was able to witness the challenges and rewards of his work. She spent eight years in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and is now the Vice President of Public Benefit for Delta Dental of South Dakota. Her background and experience in board governance, grant writing and rural healthcare brings a valued perspective to the Dakota Resources Board. Through her job, Connie has also managed a program that serves several SD reservations. She understands the importance of healthy rural communities to the overall economic well-being of our region.

Caleb Finck is a born and raised 5th Generation Farm and Rancher from a small farm south of Tripp, South Dakota where he lives today with his wife Toni. He is active in his community and promoting Agriculture across South Dakota and holds a degree in Agricultural Leadership from South Dakota State University. Caleb currently serves as a South Dakota State Representative for District 21 and is Chair of the House Transportation Committee. He also serves on several community boards and foundations in the Tripp Community and across the state. It's not uncommon for Caleb's background in a virtual meeting to include the cab of a tractor which he considers "an office with the best view anyone could ask for!"

Marc Eyre is the Vice President of Electric Operations for Black Hills Energy, where he is responsible for providing safe, reliable electric service to over 70,000 customers in 38 communities throughout western South Dakota, northeast Wyoming, and southeastern Montana. As an essential service provider, Marc knows the importance of investing in rural communities and has a passion for supporting economic development and growth. Outside of work Marc enjoys spending time with his family and serving in his church and community. Marc serves on the Board for Mitchell Technical College’s Foundation, Deadwood - Lead Economic Development Corporation, and United Way of the Black Hills. Marc and his family love the outdoors and all the great recreation western South Dakota has to offer.

Blaine Crissman is the President and a Founding Partner of South Dakota Equity LLC. South Dakota Equity is a private equity firm that invests equity in a collaborative approach with management teams and co-investors. The equity investments are available to support growth in companies seeking to expand existing operations in, or relocate to, South Dakota.

As a Mitchell resident and Director of Commercial and Agribusiness banking for First National Bank, Jacqson has a unique perspective when it comes to the challenges and opportunities available to rural businesses and agriculture operations. He is connected to rural people and places through his job and is dedicated to helping them succeed. His financial and lending expertise are an asset to the Dakota Resources team, while his connections across the region allow him to spread the word about the valuable programs and resources available to the people living here.